Yes, reading does this. But writing...
Writing is one of those lonely vocations, is it not my fellow members of The Insecure Writers Support Group. The initial act done, for all intents and purposes, alone with ones works. But I must contend, are we really alone then?
As a child, some may call them imaginary friends. And some medicated individuals call them "the voices in their head". But we writers know these apparitions as our characters. Part us trying to understand ourselves, part amalgam of those we want to better understand, and if we are lucky our characters grow and become something of their own.
I don't know about you, but when a character begins to break free of the mould I originally made for it, it begins to stay with me. At least it sometime feels that way. During quiet times (when my life and my two year old allows me) characters visit me as passing thoughts. And when I write, I feel like I have become a passing thought in their lives. Someone among them, but just out of the way as to not get in the way of their lives.
So alone? No, not alone while I write. And of course, I have all of you when I leave their company.
Now don't forget the coffee, or neglect the cookies and donuts, on your way out of today's meeting of the IWSG.
You're correct. A writer is never really alone. Not even when we sleep.
ReplyDeleteHugs and chocolate,
Shelly
And I agree with you. ;) And I will take those hugs and sure as hell, the chocolate.
DeleteMy characters pop in and out of my head at all times of day and night!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne @ Suzannes Tribe
I get a lot of night visitations since I am a night owl by nature. I like it when they do. It means they are still there and waiting for me.
DeleteI have to admit, I've never understood the idea of characters doing their own thing. The only things they do are the things I choose to write, after all.
ReplyDeleteThe funny thing is, I have never been without that feeling. Like somewhere during the writing process or when I draw, my intentions for my work gets skewed by 'something' else. I start to work without thinking about it.
DeleteSome of mine yell at me so I'll pay them attention :P No, never alone. Great post!
ReplyDeleteSNORT! Been there. They can be so impatient. *shakes head*
DeleteWhen you start losing the debates with your characters...that's when its time to seek help! :)
ReplyDeleteNot there yet, so let's hold off on the straitjacket and meds. How about you?
DeleteDid you say donuts?
ReplyDeleteI'm still thinking about my characters and their world, which is a bummer since I am done with the series.
The fact they are a part of us, keeps them with us like it or not. Frankenstein had to live with his creation. ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd you are always welcome to seconds on the donuts when visiting.
I love this post. I had so many imaginary friends as a child, and now they fill up my stories. I Admit, I often have conversations with the voices in my head, as we plan where their stories will go. Say hi to all your budding characters for me.
ReplyDelete